Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-9-2020

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Laura Kuensting

Committee

Dr. Phineas Oren

Dr. Roxanne Reid

Abstract

Problem Bronchiolitis is the leading diagnosis of hospitalizations for children under one-year. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supportive high-flow oxygen (HFO) therapy for infant patients requiring more than 2L/min nasal cannula (NC).

Methods An observational, descriptive design with convenience sampling of infants aged one-year or less, hospitalized with bronchiolitis and requiring HFO therapy. Comparisons were done between 2019 when no HFO was allowed on the general unit and in 2020 when HFO was allowed.

Results Of 28 patients (N = 28), 13 (n = 13) were in the 2019 cohort and 15 (n = 15) in 2020. A Fischer’s exact test indicated a general unit admission in 2020 was not likely to result in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfer. Significant positive associations were evident between length of oxygen therapy and length of stay (LOS) in 2019 (rp = 0.95, prp = 1.00, prp = 0.77, p = .015); and LOS and length of HFO therapy (rp = 0.80, p = .010) in 2020. No differences emerged between rates of initial PICU admissions, PICU transfers, length of oxygen therapy, length of HFO therapy, PICU LOS, or LOS between cohorts.

Implications for Practice Use of HFO therapy on the general unit was associated with decreases in frequency of PICU transfers and initial admissions, but no changes occurred in length of oxygen therapy, length of HFO therapy, PICU LOS, or total LOS.

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